Compared to their European counterparts, Brits don’t have the best reputation when it comes to learning foreign languages.
Modern language exam rates continue to plummet across the four nations, with around 60 per cent of UK adults claiming zero proficiency with any language other than English. This is in stark contrast to mainland Europe, where more than half of all adults can speak a second language fluently. What’s more, around a quarter of European adults can also speak a third language.
Britain’s lacklustre language skills are certainly cause for concern. Foreign language proficiency continues to be one of the most sought-after skills in the job market. Some of the highest paid jobs around demand fluency in European languages like French, Spanish and Dutch. However, German language skills continue to remain in the highest demand. Anyone looking to improve their job prospects and land a higher salary should definitely think about adding a second language to their skill set. Getting to grips with a new language in your adult years can prove tricky, but it’s by no means impossible.
The Difficulties Adult Learners Face
Adults generally find it far more difficult to learn a new language than children do. This is hardly surprising. Someone in their twenties or thirties who has only ever used their mother tongue will find many foreign language concepts alien and difficult to wrap their heads around. This is especially true when it comes to navigating the world of gendered nouns or verb conjugation. Youngsters who have yet to fully cement the fundamentals of their native tongue in their minds tend to be more flexible with foreign language patterns and structure.
Adult learners also tend to overthink lesson structure and consistently question unusual language rules. In the case of French for example, there often isn’t any reason why a certain noun is considered masculine or feminine. It simply is. Many adults spend far too much time looking for explanations, when they should in fact be embracing the benefits of repetition in language learning.
Find a Native Speaker to Practice With
If you hope to achieve a high degree of fluency with a foreign language, you will need to engage with a native speaker. Language schools are always a good option for those seeking the guidance of an experienced tutor, but rigid class schedules and expensive course fees render them a luxury that many people simply can’t afford. Virtual learning platforms are an accessible alternative that everyone can utilise. Not only can you fit your language study around your schedule, you can also choose to learn from just about anywhere.
Once you have developed moderate proficiency with a foreign language, you’ll want to keep your skills sharp outside of the classroom or when you’re not engaged with a virtual tutor. Making social contacts with native speakers of your second language is always a good idea.
Immerse Yourself in Foreign Literature
Another way to improve your bilingual prowess is to devour content in the foreign language you are hoping to master. Think about adding a handful of foreign television shows to your watchlist or stock up on a few international film titles. You may also find it useful to listen to the occasional foreign language podcast, even if you’ve yet to develop a deep understanding of unfamiliar lingo. Ideally, you should be aiming for daily exposure if you’re keen to speed up the learning process and achieve true fluency sooner rather than later.
This is a contributed article.
